Strategic Focus Areas

At Arkansas Children's Research Institute, our strategic focus areas reflect where we believe research has the greatest potential to improve the lives of children and families. By bringing together the expertise of our investigators, we are concentrating our efforts in key areas where discovery can drive meaningful progress. Through collaboration, innovation, and research, we are working to prevent chronic disease, address addiction, advance brain health, improve outcomes for critically ill children, and build healthier communities. These strategic priorities guide our commitment to transforming scientific discoveries into solutions that create lasting impact for children and families.

Nutrition, Physical Activity and Health Promotion

Over the next five years, Arkansas Children’s is expanding research that supports better nutrition, active lifestyles and overall well-being for children and families. By combining science with practical, real-world solutions we’re working to prevent chronic disease and support lifelong health. Through strong partnerships and a focus on everyday impact, this work is helping families make healthier choices where they live, learn and play.

Learn more about the Nutrition Center >

Impact of Forever Chemicals (PFAS) and Maternal Physical Activity on Child Development

Principal Investigator: Aline Andres, Ph.D., R.D., C.L.C., project leader at Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center, chief of developmental nutrition at Arkansas Children’s and professor of pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).

Overview: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded Arkansas Children’s Research Institute (ACRI) $3 million to investigate how prenatal and early-life exposure to polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or forever chemicals, may affect infant and child development. The study will also examine whether maternal exercise during pregnancy can reduce PFAS-related risks. Building on earlier findings that PFAS can alter placental gene activity, the project aims to uncover strategies to safeguard maternal and child health.

“By working closely with experts from many fields, our team will find out how PFAS affect children as they grow. Our goal is to find ways to protect children from any potential harm these chemicals could cause.” — Aline Andres, Ph.D.

Opioid and Addiction Research

The effects of opioid and substance use reach far beyond the individual; they impact children, families and communities. Arkansas Children’s is focused on finding better ways to prevent, identify and treat the effects of addiction, especially for children exposed early in life. Over the next five years, our research will continue to improve care for vulnerable infants and support programs that help young people avoid misuse before it starts. By working closely with families, providers and communities, we are helping create safer, healthier futures.

Learn more about our National Center for Opioid and Addiction Research >

Eat, Sleep, Console: Improving Care for Opioid Exposed Babies

Principal Investigator: R. Whit Hall, M.D., a neonatologist at Arkansas Children’s Hospital and a professor in the division of neonatology in the department of pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Overview: The Eat, Sleep, Console (ESC) project aims to improve outcomes for newborns with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) by reducing postnatal opioid administration, minimizing neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stays and strengthening motherinfant bonding. Using a non-invasive, function-based assessment, the ESC Care Tool evaluates infants based on their ability to eat, sleep and be consoled, while emphasizing family and caregiver involvement and prioritizing non-pharmacologic care as the first line of treatment. Implementation began at three Arkansas Children’s Nursery Alliance hospitals (Conway Regional Medical Center in Conway, Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff, and Saline Memorial Hospital in Benton) with plans to expand statewide. The project’s objectives are to minimize opioid use, decrease hospital costs by reducing length of stay and provide consistent, familycentered care. In year one, the ESC Care Approach is being disseminated across nursery alliance hospitals, with year two focused on extending these resources to all maternity hospitals in Arkansas.

“This project has been enthusiastically received as the first few patients have been assessed and treated with this approach. Further, we have received several calls to implement ESC in other nurseries throughout our state. We look forward to implementing this novel approach statewide as we seek to improve care for Arkansas’ newborns.” — R. Whit Hall, M.D.

Population Health

A child’s health is shaped by more than medical care. It’s influenced by where they live, learn and grow. Arkansas Children’s is working to improve health for all children by addressing these broader factors and reducing disparities across communities. Over the next five years, we are expanding efforts to better understand the unique needs of families across Arkansas, especially in rural and underserved areas. By partnering directly with communities and using data to guide action, we are creating solutions that improve access, outcomes and opportunities for every child.

Learn about The LINK >

De-implementation of Inappropriate Feeding Practices in Early Care and Education Settings

Principal Investigator: Taren Massey-Swindle, Ph.D., researcher at Arkansas Children’s Research Institute (ACRI) and associate professor of pediatrics at UAMS.

Overview: The National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) awarded Dr. Massey-Swindle a $3 million, five-year NIH grant to reduce detrimental feeding practices in early care and education (ECE) settings. Working with collaborators, including Julie Rutledge, Ph.D., at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, La., the project will develop and test strategies to phase out unsupportive mealtime behaviors and increase evidence-based approaches. Because preschool-aged children consume most of their daily nutrition in childcare settings, the project has the potential to significantly influence children’s dietary habits, weight trajectories and long-term health outcomes.

“This award reflects the culmination of several years of collaboration between myself, Dr. Rutledge and our community partners. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to ask compelling scientific questions about de-implementation of inappropriate feeding practices in the early care and education setting and if removal of such practices can be sustained over time.” — Taren Massey-Swindle, M.D.

Pediatric Neurosciences Research

A child’s brain is constantly growing and changing and understanding that development is key to lifelong health. Arkansas Children’s is advancing research to better understand how the brain develops and how conditions and treatments can affect learning, behavior and overall well-being. We are investing in new tools and technologies to study brain health and identify opportunities for earlier support and intervention.

Maternal Obesity and Offspring Neurodevelopment: The MOON Study

Principal Investigator: Xiawei Ou, Ph.D., director of the brain imaging research lab, Arkansas Children’s Research Institute (ACRI) and professor of radiology and pediatrics and vice chair of research in the department of radiology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Overview: The Maternal Obesity and Offspring Neurodevelopment (MOON) study is a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-sponsored clinical research study in which more than 200 pregnant women and their children were enrolled at ACRI to study relationships between a mother’s body weight during pregnancy and brain development and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children during their first two years. Factors associated with a pregnant woman’s body weight (along with diet and nutrition, physical activity level and mental health) and their offspring’s brain structural and functional development are evaluated by advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods at age 2 weeks, 1 year and 2 years. The MOON study aims to uncover factors that early brain development, with the ultimate goal of promoting brain health in children.

“Using cutting-edge pediatric neuroimaging methods, we can have a safe, non-invasive and comprehensive evaluation of the developing brain, which sensitively detects changes in brain development associated with different prenatal factors. Our study findings will not only advance science and knowledge but also will inform future prevention and intervention strategies.” — Xiawei Ou, Ph.D.

Acute and Critical Illness and Injury Prevention

When a child faces a serious illness or injury, every moment matters. Arkansas Children’s is advancing research that improves how we care for children in the most critical situations, from emergency care to recovery. We are strengthening our ability to bring new discoveries directly to the bedside, helping children not only survive, but recover and thrive. This work is focused on improving outcomes, reducing long-term complications and giving families hope during their most difficult moments.

Identifying Immunologic Fingerprints of Severe Respiratory Viral Infections in Children

Principal Investigator: Peter Mourani, M.D., former president of ACRI and professor of pediatrics at UAMS; Josh Kennedy, M.D., allergist and immunologist at Arkansas Children’s and associate professor of allergy and immunology at UAMS.

Overview: ACRI received a $3.3 million, five-year NIH award to investigate why some children develop severe respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. Drs. Mourani and Kennedy lead the study, which uses deep sequencing of host and viral RNA to define an “immunologic fingerprint” that can distinguish the dominant virus in children who test positive for multiple respiratory pathogens. The findings are expected to improve diagnostics, guide treatment strategies and enhance health outcomes for children worldwide.

“The clinical implications of co-detection of viruses in children are still not fully understood. With new treatments emerging, it can be difficult to know whether a positive test actually identifies a new or old infection. We aim to create a much clearer picture with our study, which we believe will help inform future treatment strategies.” — Josh Kennedy, M.D.

Targeting Survival Mechanisms of Aspergillus Fumigatus to Improve Outcomes for Immunocompromised Children

Principal Investigators: Praveen Juvvadi, Ph.D., researcher at ACRI and associate professor of pediatric infectious diseases at UAMS; William Steinbach, M.D., pediatrician-in-chief at Arkansas Children’s, researcher at ACRI and chair of the department of pediatrics at UAMS.

Overview: NIH awarded more than $3 million across two grants to ACRI to study Aspergillus fumigatus, a fungus identified by the World Health Organization as a critical global health threat. With mortality rates exceeding 40% in immunocompromised patients, the fungus is a leading cause of death among children with chronic illnesses. Drs. Juvvadi and Steinbach will investigate how protein phosphatase calcineurin and protein kinase A (PKA) drive fungal growth, spread and resistance to antifungal medications. Their findings aim to uncover new drug targets and contribute to the development of therapies that improve survival for vulnerable children.

“We are thrilled with NIH’s support of this work through two awards in the same cycle. This funding will help us reach critical insights into Aspergillus fumigatus’ survival strategies and bring us one step closer to developing life-saving therapies for patients as they fight this infection.” — Praveen Juvvadi, M.D.

“The World Health Organization recently named Aspergillus fumigatus as among the most critical fungal threats facing the world. For children with compromised immune systems, this research will embody Arkansas Children’s mission of creating a healthier tomorrow. These findings could promise a future that many of those patients are not guaranteed today.” — William Steinbach, M.D.

The Role of the Mitochondrion in the Metabolic Stress Response to Burn Trauma

Principal Investigator: Craig Porter, Ph.D., associate director of laboratory sciences at ACRI and professor of pediatrics at UAMS.

Overview: The National Institutes of General Medical Sciences awarded ACRI $2 million to investigate the role that mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells, play in the stress response to severe burn trauma. Patients with severe burns, like those treated at Arkansas Children’s Burn Unit, undergo a prolonged stress response that can result in debilitating muscle loss and weakness. Building on our previous work, Dr. Porter will study the role of the mitochondrion in controlling the stress response to burns.

“By studying the mitochondria isolated from blood samples collected from burn patients, we hope to learn more about how mitochondria contribute to the stress response to burns. By understanding the impact of burn trauma on mitochondria, we hope to be able to develop new treatments that accelerate recovery from severe burn injury.” — Craig Porter, Ph.D.